This journey offers a legendary traverse through the heart of the Andes, seamlessly connecting Argentina and Chile by land and water. The adventure begins in Bariloche, where you will immerse yourself in the classic landscapes of soaring mountains and pristine lakes that surround the city.
The centerpiece of this experience is the Andean Lakes Crossing (Cruce Andino), a unique navigation across Lakes Nahuel Huapi, Frías, and Todos los Santos. Along the way, you will be surrounded by ancient forests and towering volcanoes, offering a perspective of the mountain range that few ever witness.
Concluding in the scenic area of Puerto Varas, this route is the ultimate choice for those seeking to travel at a relaxed pace and be captivated by the purest beauty of Northern Patagonia.
Low-impact activities for everyone
Independent trips, with a selection of guided activities
Less than 20 travelers for a personalized experience
Expertos locales liderando el camino
Capture stunning vistas and memorable moments
Engage with local traditions and communities
Itinerary
Day 1: Bariloche – Chocolate tasting
In the afternoon enjoy a Chocolate and sweet tasting in a picturesque local Chocolaterie. An amazing journey through flavors and aromas.
Day 2: Small Circuit – Victoria Island and Myrtle Forest
Tour the Small Circuit along wonderful landscapes in the surroundings having the best views. Nahuel Huapi Lake and Campanario mount are among the highlights of this experience.
Later, our day continues with a sailing to Victoria Island and the Myrtle Forest, we will visit two National Parks and we will learn about the history of the place.
Day 3: Seven Lakes Road - San Martin de los Andes Tour
A journey of almost 200 km will take us to San Martín de los Andes on a beautiful scenic route passing through seven of the most important lakes in the region.
Day 4: Bariloche – Puerto Varas: Andean Lake Crossing
The famous crossing, also known as Andean Crossing, will take us on a special panoramic tour, sailing and visiting places of spectacular beauty, such as Lake Frías, Peulla and Lake Esmeralda, crossing the Andes Mountains and arriving at Puerto Varas.
Day 5: Puerto Varas– Wonders of Llanquihue Lake
Visit the city of Llanquihue: the Parish Church, the old mansions, Plaza de Armas and the Swans beach. At midday we will stop in Frutillar and enjoy an exquisite lunch in the Colonial Museum.
Back on the road, we will arrive at Puerto Octay little town admiring the beauty of green meadows and snow-capped peaks of volcanoes and mountains.
Day 6: Puerto Varas – Chiloé Island: Castro and Dalcahue
To get to the magical island of Chiloe we must sail for 30 minutes, observing a wide variety of birds and sea lions. We will visit Dalcahue: the Artisan Market, Museum and church. In Castro we will enjoy a typical lunch and we will visit Palafitos de Gamboa neighborhood, the plaza and the church of Castro, ending our tour in the church of Nercón.
Day 7: Puerto Varas - Bariloche
Travel to Bariloche by bus.
NOTE: If the traveler wants, it is possible to make a transfer to Puerto Montt to fly from there to Santiago or any other point in Chile to continue their trip.
Day 8: Bariloche – End of the tour
Say goodbye and transfer to the airport.
Included Activities
Small Circuit
The Circuito Chico excursion explores magnificent landscapes around Bariloche. You'll admire lakes and mountain views from every scenic point. This tour is unmissable as it's one of the region's most traditional routes.
During the Circuito Chico tour, you'll enjoy Bariloche's most classic outing. The 60-kilometer route follows a winding, fully paved road.
Along the way, you'll marvel at the landscapes. The first stop at Playa Bonita -on the shores of Nahuel Huapi Lake- offers views of Huemul Island.
Next you'll reach Cerro Campanario, where a chairlift takes you to the viewpoint at 1,050 meters altitude. You'll visit Puerto Pañuelo and cross Angostura River Bridge.
Continuing, you'll reach a natural balcony with views of Moreno Lake and Llao Llao Peninsula. The return to Bariloche includes crossing Moreno Lake bridge and skirting El Trébol Lagoon.
Victoria Island and Myrtle Forest
The tour will take us across Nahuel Huapi Lake to Victoria Island, a natural reserve with native and exotic wildlife, then to Quetrihue Peninsula to explore the world's only Arrayanes forest.
We depart from Puerto Pañuelo, sailing to Victoria Island with its cliffs and lush forests. The island is home to Patagonian deer (pudú), red deer, and golden pheasants, along with a Park Rangers School and a cozy lodge.
We continue sailing to Quetrihue Peninsula to visit the unique Arrayanes Forest, famous for its dense growth and trees' reddish bark. Depending on the season, we may see them in bloom or covered in snow.
After completing the tour, we return to Puerto Pañuelo.
Seven Lakes Road - San Martin de los Andes
The Seven Lakes Route is a winding 200 km journey through forests of lenga, coihue, and cypress trees. We'll visit Espejo, Correntoso, Escondido, Villarino, Falkner, and Machonico lakes before arriving in San Martín de los Andes for lunch and a visit to Casa de Piedra.
We begin by skirting Nahuel Huapi Lake to Villa la Angostura, a typical mountain village with services for nautical activities, trekking, horseback riding, and bike excursions. Fishing is also available from November to April.
We continue along the winding road to Espejo Lake, with its hotel complex and beach, then to Correntoso Lake and the small Escondido Lake with its emerald green waters and viewpoint.
Next is Villarino Lake with its lodge, followed by Falkner Lake where we observe Mount Buque with its black stone towers and condors. Finally, we pass Machonico Lake and skirt Lacar Lake to reach San Martín de los Andes.
After lunch, we visit Casa de Piedra, traveling along Meliquina Lake and crossing its river. On the return trip, we observe wind-eroded rock formations.
Andean Lake Crossing Argentina - Chile
The Andean Lakes Crossing tour begins in Bariloche, with a transfer to Puerto Pañuelo to board a boat to Puerto Blest, enjoying views of the iconic Llao Llao Hotel.
Puerto Pañuelo/Puerto Blest
25 km by bus + 15 nautical miles (1h 05min navigation). Max. altitude: 756 m.a.s.l.
Puerto Blest/Puerto Alegre
3 km by bus (15 min). Max. altitude: 756 m.a.s.l.
Puerto Alegre/Puerto Frías
4 nautical miles (20 min navigation). Max. altitude: 762 m.a.s.l.
Puerto Frías/Peulla
Argentine-Chilean border customs procedures. 27 km by bus (2h). Max. altitude: 976 m.a.s.l. Optional lunch in Peulla. Mandatory overnight in Peulla (May 1 - August 31; optional rest of the year).
Peulla/Petrohué
Navigation across Todos los Santos Lake (20 nautical miles, 1h 40min). Max. altitude: 150 m.a.s.l.
Petrohué/Puerto Varas
56 km by bus (1h 40min), with stops at Petrohué Waterfalls. Max. altitude: 150 m.a.s.l. Overnight in Puerto Varas.
Return to Bariloche
Regular bus transfer (6-7h).
Featured Hotels
Alma del Lago
Located near downtown San Carlos de Bariloche, this hotel is set within the natural surroundings of Lake Nahuel Huapi. Its design and aesthetics combine the natural environment with the comfort expected of high-end tourism.
Cacique Inacayal
Cacique Inacayal Lake & Spa Hotel is located on Juan Manuel de Rosas Avenue, a prime location in downtown San Carlos de Bariloche. Situated directly on the shores of Lake Nahuel Huapi, it is only four blocks away from the Civic Center and the main commercial area, offering guests excellent lake views.
Llao Llao
Located in the Puerto Pañuelo area, the Llao Llao Resort combines beauty and functionality throughout its spaces, blending high-end elegance with the natural landscape of Argentine Patagonia. Its exclusive services and world-class amenities ensure a unique and memorable stay.
